Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

British Nationals Abroad: EU Countries

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask Her Majesty's Government how exempted professionals, including those in IT and engineering, who are UK citizens and resident in the EU should evidence their status on entry to an EU country under theUK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Withdrawal Agreement protects UK nationals and their family members who were lawfully resident in the EU by the end of the transition period, on 31 December 2020. Those in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement and their family members are exempt from the EU's temporary restrictions on non-essential travel due to Covid-19 and have a right to enter, exit and transit to their host Member State. To evidence their status, UK nationals must carry evidence of their residence in the EU, as well as a valid passport, to travel. Boarding should be permitted upon presentation of a residence permit; a certificate of application; a frontier worker permit; or any document that credibly evidences their status under the Withdrawal Agreement. Documents that could be used include proof of an EU address; payslips issued by an EU employer; EU bank account statements; or utility bills evidencing an EU address.The separate provisions in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on entry and temporary stay for business purposes apply to UK nationals living in the EU, in EU countries other than their Member State of residence or frontier work, in the same way as they do to UK nationals living in the UK. Member State rules vary and business travellers should check, prior to travelling, if they need a visa, work permit or other documentation. If a visa or work permit is needed, business travellers should apply well in advance of any travel. The Travel Advice pages published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provide the most up to date information on travelling to European countries.

Central African Republic: Politics and Government

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current situation in the Central African Republic; and what action they are taking to support the UN Secretary-General in his call for all parties in that country to cease hostilities ahead of the second round of legislative elections expected on 14 February.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government is concerned about the humanitarian and security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) following presidential and legislative elections. Ahead of the second round of legislative elections on 14 February, we have repeatedly called on all parties to cease violence including through a UN Security Council (UNSC) statement and a tweet from the Minister for Africa, both of which were issued on 21 January. On 24 February the UK, as President of the UNSC for the month, will chair a meeting on CAR to re-assess the situation a month after its last discussion, renew its calls for a cessation of hostilities and consider any further action.The UK supported election preparations in CAR through a £500,000 contribution to the UN Development Programme's basket fund for elections, to support procurement of critical election materials and greater participation of women and marginalised groups. The UK contributes approximately £40 million annually to the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA) which continues to provide security across the country. The UK is also contributing £21.5 million towards the humanitarian effort in 2020/2021, delivering emergency health, nutrition, food security and livelihoods support to a million Central Africans.

Poland: Property

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have hadwith representatives of the government of Poland about the restitution of property seized from Polish Jewish citizens during the period of Nazi occupation; and whatwas the outcome ofany such discussions.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to meet its commitments under the Terezin declaration.HMG have been in regular discussions with the Polish Government about the restitution of property seized during the Nazi occupation. As the Minister for the European Neighbourhood and Americas noted in the House in July 2020, the British Ambassador to Poland has raised our concerns with the Polish Foreign Minister and the Speaker of the Polish Parliament. Lord Pickles, the UK's Special Envoy for post-Holocaust Issues, and the Minister for the European Neighbourhood and Americas have also engaged the Polish Government on this sensitive issue since it was last discussed in the House.We regret that, despite this, the Polish Senate passed legislation in September 2020 which may make property restitution more difficult for some claimants in Warsaw. The UK will continue to take a strong stand on the issue of property restitution, in line with our unwavering commitment to supporting Holocaust survivors. Working with like-minded partners and the World Jewish Restitution Organisation (WJRO), the FCDO will continue to urge Poland to introduce comprehensive national legislation to deal with Holocaust-era property restitution.

Ethiopia: Eritrea

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations, if any, they have made to the government of Eritrea to encourage its military withdrawal from Ethiopia.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are concerned by involvement of Eritrean forces in hostilities throughout the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the growing weight of credible evidence of their involvement in human rights violations. We have raised our concerns with Ministers in both governments, making clear the overriding need to protect civilians and adhere to international law and international human rights law. We continue to urge all parties to bring an end to fighting, prioritise the protection of civilians and allow unfettered humanitarian access. The Foreign Secretary raised these points when he met with Prime Minister Abiy on 22 January.

Cyprus: Politics and Government

Lord Balfe: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the proposal by the UN Secretary General to expand negotiations relating to the future of Cyprus to include the government of (1) Greece, (2) Turkey, (3) the Republic of Cyprus, and (4) the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, alongside the UK and UN; whether they support such a proposal; if not, why not; and what discussions they have had with the government of (1) Greece, and (2) Turkey, about participating in such negotiations.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains a strong supporter of a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue, based on the internationally accepted model of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation as set out in relevant Security Council Resolutions. To that end, we welcome the UN Secretary General's ongoing commitment to work with the parties to conduct in-depth consultations and we look forward to the possibility of an informal meeting hosted by the UN which includes the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, and the Guarantor Powers, Greece, Turkey and the UK.We are engaging all parties regularly. The Foreign Secretary met with Greek Foreign Minister Dendias on 2 February, spoke to Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu on 3 February, and travelled to Cyprus on 4 February, to urge all sides to engage constructively ahead of the talks and to demonstrate flexibility in their approach so the Settlement process can progress.

Tigray: Cultural Heritage

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations, if any, they have made to UNESCO about the establishment of a task force to assess, document and protect cultural sites in Tigray.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are concerned by reports from Tigray of attacks on places of worship as well as damage to cultural monuments and artefacts. Our Embassy in Addis is in contact with UNESCO in Addis and monitoring matters carefully. Our top priorities remain the provision of unfettered humanitarian access to the region and a complete cessation of hostilities.

Indonesia: Corporal Punishment

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that two gay men have been subjected to public beatings by the religious police in Indonesia; when they last raised the use of publicbeatings with the government of Indonesia; and what response they received.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK opposes all forms of discrimination and is committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of LGBT people around the world. We regularly press legislators and the Indonesian Government not to discriminate against minority groups, including the LGBT community. We urge Indonesia to adhere to its founding principles by ensuring that its laws, both at national and local level, are non-discriminatory and celebrate the diversity and tolerance of its people.

Money Laundering

Lord Blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of Delaware-based shell companies for (1) international money laundering, and (2) financing international terrorism; and what plans they have, if any, to raise this at the next G7 summit.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: In December 2020, the Government published the UK's third National Risk Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, which presents a comprehensive understanding of the risk of money laundering and the financing of terrorism through the UK. The assessment also covers the risks posed to the UK by activities in overseas jurisdictions. The UK has not conducted any assessment into Delaware specifically.During its Presidency of the G7 this year, the UK will seek to promote action on corporate transparency, asset recovery, and the implementation of international anti-corruption standards, to build collective security, prosperity and trust in our institutions.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Armenians will be includedin the genocides to be commemorated in the proposed UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre; and, if so, what consultationthey havecarried out with Armenian representatives.

Lord Greenhalgh: The UK Holocaust Memorial will honour the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust, and all other victims of Nazi persecution. The remit of the co-located learning centre will also focus on subsequent genocides.The scope and content of the exhibition within the UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre will be developed over the coming years by the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation, drawing on a wide range of external advice and expertise.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government which (1) nations, and (2) minority groups, will be included in the genocides to be commemorated in the proposed UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre; and what consultation they have undertaken with the representatives of any such nations or groups.

Lord Greenhalgh: The scope and content of the exhibition within the UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre will be developed over the coming years by the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation, drawing on a wide range of external advice and expertise.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the educational impact of the proposed UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre; and whether they have consulted the British Association of Holocaust Scholars on the content of the memorial and learning centre.

Lord Greenhalgh: The UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation will work with other institutions both in the UK and across the World supporting Holocaust commemoration and education, seeking to promote a deeper understanding of the Holocaust among as wide an audience as possible.An Academic Advisory Board has been appointed, which includes members of the British Association of Holocaust Scholars and the head of the UCL’s Centre for Holocaust.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there is a plan for the management of the proposed UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre; and if so, where that plan is available.

Lord Greenhalgh: We are considering a range of operating models and will put in place a sustainable long-term plan.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the annual running costs of the proposed UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre; and howsuch costs will be met.

Lord Greenhalgh: The annual running costs are estimated at up to £6 million. My Right Honourable Friend the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced on 28 January that the Government will provide free entry in perpetuity to everyone visiting the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service: Expenditure

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much funding they have spent to date on activities relating to the proposed Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre.

Lord Greenhalgh: From 2015/16 to 31 January 2021, the Government has spent £12.9 million (including VAT) on the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre programme.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service: Finance

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much private funding is required for the creation of the proposed UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre; and how much private funding has been raised to date.

Lord Greenhalgh: The aim is to raise at least £25 million from charitable donations. A fund-raising campaign is being led by a newly established independent charity, led by Foundation member Gerald Ronson CBE, who has committed to securing pledges of at least £25 million.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government what organisations will (1) own, and (2) manage, the proposed UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre if planning permission is obtained; and what progress has been made towards setting up any such organisations.

Lord Greenhalgh: The site will continue to be owned by Government. We are considering a range of operating models for managing the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have for the (1) ownership, and (2) management, of the parts of Victoria Tower Gardens not required for the proposed UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre.

Lord Greenhalgh: The site will continue to be owned by Government. We are in discussion with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and The Royal Parks about the future management arrangements for Victoria Tower Gardens.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government what proportion of Victoria Tower Gardens would be closed to the public during the construction of the proposed UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre; and what estimate has been made of the duration of the building works.

Lord Greenhalgh: Construction is expected to last no longer than 3 years. Provision will be made to ensure part of Victoria Tower Gardens remains open for users during construction works.

Housing: Construction

Lord Crisp: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Greenhalgh on 29 January and the statement that "new homes in England delivered through any Permitted Development Right must meet this [the Nationally Described Space Standard] space standard as a minimum", whyall new homes developed in England do not have to meet the Nationally Described Space Standard.

Lord Greenhalgh: I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given to PQHL12277 and note that the draft National Model Design Code was published on 30 January 2021, and we are seeking views on its content.We agree that ensuring a good standard and quality of internal space is important to achieving well-designed homes for all, as emphasised in our National Design Guide.Space standards are an optional technical standard in our national planning policies and local authorities can choose to adopt them locally, if they can demonstrate need and that there will be no negative impact on viability.As my Noble Lord is aware, we announced last year that all new homes in England delivered through any Permitted Development Right must meet this space standard as a minimum. This will apply to proposals from 6 April 2021.Looking to the future, as noted above we recently published the draft National Model Design Code, in which we intend to emphasise the ingredients for well-designed homes, including the application of the Nationally Described Space Standard that can be included in local design codes, guides and policies.

Housing: Energy

Lord Foster of Bath: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many new homes that have an energy efficiency rating below EPC band C were built in each of the last three years; and what steps they are taking, orintend to take, to ensure that in all new homes are builtwithat least an EPC band C rating.

Lord Greenhalgh: The number of new homes, including change of use or the conversion of existing properties, that have an energy efficiency rating below EPC band C built, in each of the last three calendar years for which published figures are available, are; 14,772 in 2019, 15,264 in 2018 and 11,168 in 2017.From 2025, the Future Homes Standard will ensure that new homes are future-proofed with low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency to produce at least 75 per cent lower CO2 emissions compared to those built to current standards, which represents a considerable improvement in energy efficiency standards of new homes.This year we will introduce an interim uplift to the energy efficiency standards that delivers a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions and provides a stepping-stone to the Future Homes Standard in 2025. This uplift will be expected to produce 31 per cent less CO2 emissions compared to current standards. This will deliver high-quality homes that are in line with our broader housing commitments and encourage homes that are future-proofed for the longer-term.

Department for Work and Pensions

Pension Funds: Human Rights

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps theytake to ensure that pension funds and other institutional investors comply with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they take to ensure that the investment strategies of pension funds and other institutional investors take into account (1) crimes against humanity, and (2) genocide, as social risk factors.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: The Government has taken action to ensure that environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are taken into account by institutional investors. 2018 changes to the Occupational Pension Schemes (Investment) Regulations require occupational pension schemes to have policies on financially material ESG factors and on stewardship of their investments. Trustees are also required to report annually on how these policies have been implemented. These policies may include considerations such as those set out in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and in relation to issues such as crimes against humanity and genocide.There are also similar expectations on providers of contract-based pensions in respect of their pension investments. The Independent Governance Committees (IGCs) of these firms are expected to consider and report on their firm’s policies on ESG issues and stewardship for the products that the IGCs oversee.The importance and growth of investing in line with ESG considerations is a focus area of the Asset Management Taskforce – a regular forum chaired by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury bringing together Government, industry, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other stakeholders. On 24 November 2020, the Asset Management Taskforce published “Investing With Purpose: placing stewardship at the heart of sustainable growth”. This report’s clear recommendations, which apply across the investment chain, will further enhance the UK’s stewardship regime aim to ensure that asset managers are focused on delivering long-term, sustainable benefits for investors, the economy, the environment and society. The UK Stewardship Code, which was strengthened in 2020, also sets out at Principle 7 the expectation that its investor signatories systematically integrate material social issues into stewardship and investment. Stewardship by asset owners and asset managers involves making informed decisions about where to invest, and proactive oversight of assets once invested. The FCA’s disclosure of commitment rule to the Stewardship Code, as well as rules promoting disclosure of asset managers’ engagement and investment strategies under Revised Shareholder Rights Directive (SRD II), holds asset managers accountable and promotes the importance of stewardship. Consistent with the FCA’s objective to make relevant markets function well, stewardship activities improve market quality and integrity, and help create sustainable, long-term value for clients and beneficiaries, while having wider economic, environmental and societal benefits. The Government would also expect institutional investors to be monitoring risks to their investments posed by breaches of international human rights law. We recognise that some investors have not focused on social factors as much as environmental factors such as climate change. The Department for Work and Pensions has therefore written to 40 large schemes to understand their current practices. It also intends to seek views on whether occupational pension schemes’ policies and practices on social risk factors are sufficiently robust and what the Government could do to ensure that trustees are able to meet their legal obligations in this respect.

Cabinet Office

Porstmouth International Port: Finance

Baroness Randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what reasons were given to Portsmouth Port for the decision to grant £17.1 million for the development of the border infrastructure required as a result of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement; what additional sources of funding (1) Portsmouth Port, and (2) other ports in a similar situation, are being directed to; why ports are not being granted the full amount estimated to be required for such infrastructure; whether they plan to fund the specialist facilities hosted at Portsmouth Port for trade in animals for breeding purposes; and if so, how.

Lord True: The Port Infrastructure Fund received 53 applications from a range of sea ports, rail facilities and airports. Of the 53 ports that applied to the Fund, 41 were successful in their application and a total of £200M has been provisionally allocated. 12 ports were not considered eligible or were unsuccessful at assessment phase. It is a commercial decision for ports as to whether to provide these facilities. In normal circumstances, ports would be expected to fund such facilities themselves. However - in recognition of the unique circumstances of EU Exit, and the tight timescales for putting infrastructure in place - Government made £470m of funding available for new border infrastructure, with up to £200m available to ports through the Port Infrastructure Fund. Ports will need to consider the scope of their infrastructure projects now that their funding allocations have been made - they may choose to scale back on the facilities they are building, or they may choose to provide additional funding themselves. This is a commercial decision for ports. Any decisions on future funding for specialist facilities would be announced in the usual way.

Department for International Trade

Foreign Investment in UK: Caribbean and Latin America

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessmentthey havemade of the progress achieved by the Latin America and Caribbean Investor Club since its establishment by the Department of International Trade in April 2019.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: Since the launch of the Latin American and Caribbean (LatAC) Investors Club, established to foster business connections between the United Kingdom and the region, the club has brought together over 180 participants, from overseas investors, HM Government, and British companies for two annual events (in 2019 and 2020). These events provided opportunities for HM Government to strengthen its relationship with investors from the LatAC region, helping us to better support and maintain Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and map potential expansions. Since its launching, club members have supported British growth through at least six new expansion projects, contributing to 73 jobs across the United Kingdom. In 2021, we are expanding the programme to strengthen contact with investors to address requests for assistance and provide a forum to on how to improve Britain’s competitiveness. It will support account management of around 200 existing LatAC investors in the United Kingdom, in coordination with the Department for International Trade’s FDI officers, Ministers, Trade Envoys, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner, and Ambassadors, to build and maintain strong relationships at senior levels.